Get ready for a showdown of athletic greatness! The 2025 World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards are heating up, and the finalists have just been revealed. But here's where it gets controversial: with Olympic gold medallists and world champions in the mix, who will take home the crown? The competition is fierce, and the categories are diverse, spanning track, field, and out-of-stadium events. Let’s dive into the details and meet the stars who’ve made it this far.
The journey to this point hasn’t been easy. A long list of nominees was whittled down to the top two men and women in each of the three categories: Track Athlete, Field Athlete, and Out-of-Stadium Athlete. This selection wasn’t just a matter of opinion—it was a democratic process involving the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family, and even a public vote on social media. And this is the part most people miss: every vote counted, making this a truly global celebration of athletic excellence.
The winners will be crowned at a glamorous ceremony in Monaco on Sunday, 30 November, as part of the World Athletics Awards 2025. But before we get there, let’s meet the finalists who’ve earned their spot in the spotlight.
Women’s Track Athlete of the Year
- Femke Bol (NED): The world 400m hurdles champion, Bol has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with on the track.
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA): A powerhouse in her own right, McLaughlin-Levrone holds the title of world 400m champion.
Men’s Track Athlete of the Year
- Noah Lyles (USA): The world 200m champion, Lyles continues to dominate sprinting events.
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN): As the world 800m champion, Wanyonyi showcases Kenya’s prowess in middle-distance running.
Women’s Field Athlete of the Year
- Tara Davis-Woodhall (USA): The world long jump champion, Davis-Woodhall combines speed and agility to soar to new heights.
- Nicola Olyslagers (AUS): A master of the high jump, Olyslagers has claimed the world championship title.
Men’s Field Athlete of the Year
- Mondo Duplantis (SWE): The world pole vault champion, Duplantis continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Mattia Furlani (ITA): Italy’s pride, Furlani, is the world long jump champion, showcasing incredible technique and power.
Women’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year
- Peres Jepchirchir (KEN): The world marathon champion, Jepchirchir’s endurance is nothing short of remarkable.
- Maria Perez (ESP): Dominating the race walk, Perez holds titles in both the 20km and 35km events.
Men’s Out-of-Stadium Athlete of the Year
- Sabastian Sawe (KEN): A double marathon champion, Sawe has conquered both the London and Berlin Marathons.
- Alphonce Simbu (TAN): The world marathon champion, Simbu represents Tanzania’s rising athletic talent.
Now, here’s where you come in: Fan voting is officially open for the Men’s and Women’s World Athlete of the Year. Who do you think deserves the title? Is it the speedsters of the track, the masters of the field, or the endurance legends of out-of-stadium events? But here’s a thought-provoking question: Should the Athlete of the Year be judged solely on their performance, or should factors like sportsmanship and impact on the sport also play a role? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
